Increase your A6-6400K 3.9GHz to 4.5GHz
Increase your A6-6400K 3.9GHz to 4.5GHz
Hey there! I'm just getting started with custom builds a couple of weeks ago. I decided to assemble an entry-level gaming PC using a Mini-ITX case. While researching online, I gathered the necessary parts and planned the project. I began with the motherboard and then proceeded to purchase and order everything together, which was completed last Sunday.
For this build, I selected the following components:
- Cooler Master Elite 130
- Gigabyte F2A88XN-WIFI
- AMD A6-6400K 3.9GHz (4GHz turbo) Black Edition
- EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX750Ti 2Gb
- Kingston 8 Gb RAM DDR3 1600MHz
- Xilence PSU 630W Performance A serie power supply
- Samsung SH224BB DVD/RW
- Toshiba 640Gb 2.5" HDD
I still have a 250Gb Crucial MX200 on its way, which will eventually become the operating system drive. For now, I'm using Windows 7 on the HDD to experiment and adjust settings. One goal is to overclock the A6 processor. I found instructions on how to increase its speed in the BIOS, but after saving and restarting, the system returns to default settings.
I read that the processor could be boosted up to 5GHz, but if I want to keep it stable, staying around 4.5GHz seems safer.
Anyone has any advice or suggestions? Thanks a lot!
I need to advise you against making that purchase.
Avoid purchasing an APU expecting a NVidia GPU right away.
If you need an AMD CPU, opt for FM2+ motherboard and the Athlon X4 845.
Confusion with drivers makes it simpler to stick entirely to AMD or skip the APU.
Everyone seems to desire an APU with a NVidia GPU, but this configuration is problematic.
For new hardware, consider an R7 370x paired with that Athlon.
If you require more performance within budget, consider used units—like a 7970 for $130 on eBay. (Or buy multiple used items.)
Regarding overclocking, all AMD CPUs and APUs can be overclocked, and CMT designs handle it well.
Overclocking typically involves boosting bus speed, multiplier, and core voltage to sustain improved performance.
I need to advise you against making that purchase. Avoid purchasing an APU with the goal of acquiring a dedicated GPU from NVidia right away. If you prefer an AMD CPU, opt for the FM2+ motherboard with the Athlon X4 845. Because of driver issues, it's simpler to choose either all AMD components or none at all. Everyone seems to desire an APU paired with a NVidia GPU, but this configuration is quite problematic. If you're considering buying new parts, go for a R7 370x with that Athlon. For more performance within budget, consider a used 7970 at $130 on eBay (or buy multiple used units).
Regarding your question about overclocking, all AMD CPUs and APUs can be overclocked, and CMT designs perform well in this regard. Overclocking typically involves boosting the bus speed, multiplier, and core voltage to sustain improved performance. Start by slightly increasing the voltage—stock is around 1.25V, raise it to 1.30V or 1.35V. If you're not experienced, keep the voltage increase under 0.1V. Then adjust the multiplier to match your desired frequency and test if the system boots.
Bus speed should remain at 200, multiplier between 7 and 19.5, and voltage should be about 1.25V stock plus a small increment. After adjustments, try bus speed at 200, multiplier at 23 (disable variable multiplier), and voltage increased by 0.1V. This should yield a stable clock at around 4.6 GHz. Run Prime95 to check stability; if threads freeze, reduce voltage further until stability returns. Aim for the lowest stable voltage needed for your target speed.
If you increase bus speed, it may also affect northbridge and RAM clocks, which can cause issues. Only change voltage if the multiplier allows precise control.
Best of luck!
Cheers!!
The information you shared was really interesting and very helpful. At the time I started working on this topic, I had already built the computer, and it was running very smoothly. This was probably because it only had Windows 7 installed and a few benchmark programs.
However, I looked into the BIOS settings, increased the voltage from 1.45 to 1.55, and adjusted the CPU Clock Ratio from 39 to 45, aiming for a speed of 4.5GHz since the bus speed is 100MHz. It's now running quite smoothly, and I am very grateful for your assistance.
Runaque:
Thanks Vogner16! Your explanation was really interesting and very helpful. I had already set up the computer when I started this topic, and it was running smoothly back then. Probably because it only had Windows 7 installed and a few benchmark programs.
However, I checked the BIOS, changed the voltage from 1.45 to 1.55, and increased the CPU Clock Ratio from 39 to 45, aiming for a speed of 4.5GHz since the bus speed is 100MHz. It's now running quite well, and I'm really grateful for your advice.
No problem at all! Just keep an eye on the CPU temperature, as it can get hot during overclocking and might cause thermal throttling, which would reduce performance.